Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (also known as Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium) is a synthetic penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This medication may be used to treat urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and periodontal (gum) disease caused by susceptible organisms. The clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor; it has been added to the amoxicillin to protect the antibiotic from certain enzymes that may destroy the amoxicillin before it can kill the bacteria.

How do I give this medication?

"Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better."

Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

If using the liquid form of this medication, shake well before measuring the dose and measure the dose with reasonable care.

Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.

This medication should be given to your pet with food.

DO NOT give the pet more medicationthan directed.

DO NOT give the medicationmore often than directed.

Try not to miss giving any doses.

Never give this drug to rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, or other rodents as it cause life-threatening diarrhea.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Do not store this medicationin the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid may cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea, so give the medication with food. These symptoms may go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.

The following reactions are rare, but if your pet experiences an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face contact your veterinarian immediately. Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet.

Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.